ALEXANDRIA, VIRGINIA (May 22, 2002) – According the 2002 PIA Affiliate Market Penetration Survey, the Printing Industries of Americas (PIA) reached its highest level of Market Share in 2001. PIA has been tracking this data since 1995. The most recent data released shows that 20.4 percent of U.S. printing plants are members of PIA. This is an increase from 19.9 percent the previous year. According to PIA President Ray Roper, "the rise in PIA’s market share during the past year highlights the tremendous value members derive from our three tiers of programming--the local PIA affiliates, PIA and our partner, the Graphic Arts Technical Foundation." 2001 was a very tough year for the printing industry. The economic slowdown, advertising falloff and business disruptions from the 9/11 tragedy produced one of the worst year's for the United States printing industry. Overall, industry sales declined, industry employment was down by around 60,000 and over 1700 printing plants closed. PIA membership, while off slightly, held up much better than the overall industry. PIA's membership includes around 10,000 printing firms and approximately 3,000 industry suppliers. "As the world’s largest graphic communications association, our menu of products and services provide our members with the tools they need to succeed in both good and bad times. This makes a strong case that PIA members are more likely to survive when business conditions are tough," Roper concludes.